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The historic grounds at the Sands Point Preserve. (Courtesy: Sands Point Preserve Conservancy)

Five East End wineries are being showcased at the The Butterfly Ball fundraiser. (Credit: Randee Daddona for northforker)

North Fork wineries are helping to set the table for a fundraiser benefiting The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy later this month.

The inaugural Butterfly Ball at the historic Hempstead House and gardens is bringing together chefs and vineyards whose work reflects the farm-to-table movement. Tom Schaudel, owner of A Lure in Southold and aMano in Mattituck, is representing the North Fork as one of 11 chefs serving up dishes at the fundraiser. All five wineries showcased at the event will be from the East End.

“I’m proud and delighted to be a part of the Sands Point Preserve Butterfly Ball,” Schaudel said. “What could be more fun than working at this national historic treasure with all these great chefs, farmers and fishermen?”

Four of the five wineries hail for the North Fork. Paumanok Vineyards, McCalls Wines, Raphael Winery and Bedell Cellars will join Wölffer Estate Vineyard at the event. Mike Douglass, a wine educator and owner of Post Wine & Spirits in Syosset, selected the vineyards for the event.

“I have a passion for Long Island wine,” said Douglass, a former Jamesport resident. “When I started 53 years ago there were no local vineyards. Forty years later, the wine has greatly improved and it’s being recognized not only by locals, but by the press and people outside the region. The Butterfly Ball is a great place to show it off.”

Long Island craft beer and bourbons are also on the menu.

The Butterfly Ball is a fundraiser to improve and maintain the historic grounds at the Sands Point Preserve. (Courtesy: Sands Point Preserve Conservancy)

The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy is a non-profit with a mission to maintain and operate the 216-acre waterfront grounds and Gatsby-era mansions at the former Guggenheim Estate. The organization also works to provide a range of cultural and educational programs for the community. The Butterfly Ball aims to raise funds for new projects, including an organic vegetable garden and fruit orchard for demonstrations in addition to a playground and fitness course.

Guests of the Saturday, April 28 event will begin the evening with a cocktail hour and first course in the Hempstead House’s grand rooms, followed by dinner in the Rose Garden tent and dessert and dancing inside the mansion.

Individual tickets are $200 per person. Visit sandspointpreserve.org, or call 516-304-5076 for ticket information.

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